Forest district may sue firm over dumping

June 05, 2003

The Cook County Forest Preserve Board will investigate possible legal action against a Dixmoor company that recently acknowledged it dumped radioactive waste on district land.

The board Wednesday issued Chicago Magnesium Casting Co. a permit to clean up the radioactive slag that the company said it inadvertently dumped on Calumet Woods Forest Preserve property near Blue Island between 1958 and 1977.

Commissioner Michael Quigley then recommended that tougher action be considered.

"Having them pay a permit fee seems to be letting them off light," he said, adding, "I'm not sure how you `inadvertently' bury radioactive slag."

A company spokesman declined to comment Wednesday.

In a report by acting Forest Preserve Supt. Albert Pritchett, the company said it inadvertently buried an unspecified amount of the radioactive material on forest property while it was burying the waste on land it owned adjacent to the district property. About 20,000 square feet is affected.

Pritchett said the affected area poses "no immediate threat," but Quigley called it "a nuisance and an impediment to use of the forest property."

Commissioner Carl Hansen voted in favor of the resolution, but added, "It's good to get money. But sometimes if you get a company that's willing to clean it up, you're better off."